In her discussion about her recent victory over Alexandra Gorina in the first round of the competition, Kateryna Lagno reflects on the slight advantage she perceived from her pawn structure following the opening move, while also recognizing that the game could have ended in a draw if not for her opponent's mistakes, which were intensified by time pressure. Lagno draws on her past success at the last Women's Grand Prix , expressing hopes for continued achievements and highlighting the high stakes of the tournament, where a win can qualify her for the candidates. She remains committed to maintaining her focus and playing her best chess throughout the event.
In this section, GM Elisabeth Paehtz discusses her recent game against Tang Jongyi, highlighting the unexpected opening and her feelings about the position during play. She reflects on her psychological approach compared to her previous tournament in Shiman, where she experienced tiredness and pressure from playing multiple tournaments back-to-back. Paehtz notes significant changes in her preparation for this event, including working with a mental coach to enhance her psychological resilience, particularly after a dip in confidence following a poor performance. She emphasizes the importance of mental strength in chess, citing examples of strong mental players like Alexandra and Tanun Ki, and praises Gukesh for wisely opting to have a mental coach, suggesting that this trend is becoming increasingly recognized among players, especially in India.
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In this section, Elisabeth Paehtz discusses the importance of emotional control in chess, emphasizing that while players at the top level possess similar knowledge, the distinction often lies in their mental resilience. She reflects on her experiences and the lessons learned about managing emotions, which she views as crucial for achieving mental stability and strength. Paehtz conveys optimism about her performance, enhanced by her newfound mental strength, and expresses gratitude for support as she moves forward in her games.